Hapoel Jerusalem Withdraws Support for Cafe Linked to Missionary Group

Hapoel Jerusalem football club has retracted its plan to promote the Jerusalem cafe "Basemta" by placing the cafe's logo on players' shorts for the upcoming season. This decision followed revelations that the cafe is affiliated with the missionary organization "Jews for Jesus." The initial support was intended as a response to protests against the cafe, which remains open on the Sabbath, but after being informed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency about the cafe's missionary ties, the club reversed its stance.

The anti-missionary group Yad L'Achim highlighted the significance of this case, noting that the sensitivity to missionary efforts extends beyond the ultra-Orthodox community. They praised Hapoel Jerusalem for recognizing the harmful implications of missionary activities targeting the Jewish community and for respecting Jewish traditions and identity. Yad L'Achim sent an official letter expressing gratitude for the club's decision.

According to Yad L'Achim, "Basemta" is part of a broader network of cafes across Israel used by missionary groups as a subtle method to engage with Jews, avoiding overt missionary branding to attract more visitors. The organization is actively combating these efforts through public awareness campaigns and exploring legal measures to prevent the expansion of such missionary operations. Yad L'Achim emphasized that opposition to missionary work is a concern shared by diverse Jewish communities, not limited to any single sector.

The group warned that this is a coordinated, nationwide strategy and pledged to continue exposing and countering these missionary attempts to protect Jewish spiritual heritage.